Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµ's executive leadership team begins formal exploratory discussions with the University of Arkansas (UA) System.
For more information, visit the Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµ-UA Merger information page.


Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµ (Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµ) Health and Safety Program Manager Jessica Ellis recently
completed FEMA’s National Emergency Basics Academy (NEMBA), a program designed to
provide foundational education in emergency management knowledge, skills and abilities.
To apply for NEMBA, Ellis completed 12 online independent study courses for a total
of 50.5 hours of training. NEMBA participants then completed five separate classes
in Arkadelphia from January to May for a total of 120 hours of in-person classroom
time.
“The information I learned throughout this process will benefit the College immensely,�
Ellis said. “I have gained tremendous insight into the most efficient use of resources
to accomplish the most effective planning, mitigation and response initiatives for
our college community.�
With this training, Ellis will work with Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµ stakeholders to prioritize campus security
as part of the college’s strategic plan and integrated budget planning.
“The application of these elements to our campus has already begun as I begin to revamp
our emergency operations plans and procedures to be more cohesive and appropriate
to our current environment and needs,� Ellis said. “I am very excited to integrate
what I’ve learned into initiatives that will make Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµ even safer and more secure while
maintaining our welcoming and open culture.�
Ellis joined Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµ in August 2020 and has spearheaded the college’s COVID-19 response—communicating
with affected students and staff members, incorporating local, state and federal protocols
and reporting campus COVID-19 numbers internally and externally. Ellis also coordinates
Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµâ€™s emergency management measures, which includes risk assessment and emergency
preparedness.
“Jessie is an invaluable member of our Health and Safety team at Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµ,â€�
Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµ Director of Physical Plant Maintenance Brad Hopper said. “Her completion of FEMA
NEMBA will ensure Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµâ€™s Emergency Operations Plans mirror the most up-to-date national
planning, mitigation and response plans. The safety of our students, faculty and staff
is paramount to Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµ. Knowing Jessie’s determination to provide a safe, prepared campus
is comforting to me, personally, and should be to anyone on our campus.�